Dereck Lively Sidelined for Monday's Game Due to Knee Precaution; Mavericks to Rely on Bench

Dallas Mavericks center Dereck Lively II will miss Monday's game against the Timberwolves due to a knee injury, a precautionary measure despite playing only 12 minutes on Sunday. This absence, coupled with Daniel Gafford's ankle injury, means the Mavericks will lean heavily on Moussa Cisse and Dwight Powell. Lively, a 21-year-old center, signed a two-year, $9.79 million contract in July 2023, with team options exercised for 2025-26 ($5.25M) and 2026-27 ($7.24M). In 2025, he's averaging 4.4 points, 4.6 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 0.6 steals, and 1.4 blocks. A former five-star recruit and Duke standout, Lively was named to the ACC All-Freshman and All-Defensive Teams, showcasing his potential as an easy lob target, defensive anchor, and willing passer.